The Sickly Regent Prince Who Was Abandoned as a Substitute Bride

Upon hearing Dongfang Zheng's words, Liu Qiqi was overjoyed. She nodded repeatedly, indicating that she understood. However, she was secretly plotting her own plan, hoping to use this opportunity to achieve her own goals.

"I understand..." Liu Qiqi turned and took her leave, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes.

Then he quickly walked into the room of the Oriental Pearl Tower.

"Mingzhu, Mingzhu..." Liu Qiqi called softly.

"Auntie, it's still itchy..." Dongfang Mingzhu sat on the bed, scratching her body incessantly, her face full of pain.

“Mingzhu, just bear with it a little longer. Apply more ointment. Put the itching aside; there are more important things to do now. Your father said the First Prince is injured and needs someone to take care of him. Get ready and disguise yourself as a maid to take care of the First Prince,” Liu Qiqi said earnestly.

“Auntie, how can this be? I haven’t even reached the age of marriage yet…” Dongfang Mingzhu’s eyes widened, her face turning completely red.

“Mingzhu, you silly girl, come here, your aunt will tell you something…” Liu Qiqi whispered something in Mingzhu’s ear.

"Auntie, how can this be..." Dongfang Mingzhu's face instantly turned red, like a ripe apple.

"Why not? Listen to your aunt, you can't go wrong. As long as you can win the Crown Prince's favor, you'll be his woman. Then you'll enjoy endless wealth and glory." A greedy glint flashed in Liu Qiqi's eyes.

"Yes!" Although Dongfang Mingzhu felt shy, she could only nod reluctantly, thinking of the future wealth and glory. Afterwards, she began to pack her things, dressing herself up as an ordinary maid, and then entered the First Prince's residence, preparing to serve him personally.

The next morning, under bright sunshine, Regent Ye Jiuchen arrived at the western residence, only to see Dongfang Wan'er carrying a large bundle, standing at the door waiting for something.

"What are you trying to do?" Ye Jiuchen asked, frowning.

"I'm going to the snow-capped mountains to find the Tian Shan snow lotus..." Dongfang Wan'er said firmly.

"No, I disagree..." Ye Jiuchen immediately objected when he learned that Dongfang Wan'er was going to the snow mountain to find the Tianshan Snow Lotus.

“I must go to the snow mountain, it concerns the lives of my mother and you…” Dongfang Wan’er looked at Ye Jiuchen with a firm and resolute gaze.

"Wan'er, your mother is not afraid of death..." Lu Wanning tried to persuade Dongfang Wan'er, but her mind was made up.

"Mother, don't say anymore, I'm determined to go to this snow mountain..." Dongfang Wan'er's attitude was firm and left no room for doubt.

Knowing she couldn't persuade her daughter, Lu Wanning could only sigh helplessly and let her go.

"I will accompany you..." Ye Jiuchen said after a moment of silence.

"No need, I can manage on my own," Dongfang Wan'er refused without hesitation.

"Dark Night, prepare the carriage!..." Ye Jiuchen ignored Dongfang Wan'er's refusal, took the bundle from her hands, and turned to give the order.

"Hey, don't be so domineering, okay? I said I'll go by myself..." Dongfang Wan'er shouted angrily.

"Wan'er, stop fooling around. The snow mountain is dangerous. I'll go with you..." Ye Jiuchen's tone carried an undeniable air of authority.

"Stop messing around, okay? With your frail body, you're always coughing up blood and fainting. I don't want to have to take care of you anymore..." Dongfang Wan'er retorted without any politeness.

"I don't need your attention..." Upon hearing Dongfang Wan'er's words, Ye Jiuchen's face darkened, and a hint of dissatisfaction welled up in his heart. Was taking care of him such a troublesome matter? Yet taking care of Ye Jingchu wasn't considered troublesome at all... Thinking of this, his brows furrowed even more deeply.

"Master, the carriage is ready..." An Ye came over to report.

"You go drive the carriage, I'll ride a horse..." Ye Jiuchen didn't wait for Dongfang Wan'er's consent before picking her up, putting her in the carriage, and then turning around and walking out of the carriage.

Dongfang Wan'er was startled by the sudden action and had no time to react.

"Go inside and take care of your young lady..." Ye Jiuchen ordered Qiu Qin, who was standing to the side.

"Uh!" Qiuqin nodded hurriedly in response. Good heavens, the Ninth Prince's gaze was terrifying, which frightened her so much that she quickly climbed into the carriage.

"Giddy up!" An Ye drove the carriage slowly forward, while Ye Jiuchen followed closely behind, riding his horse alongside the carriage.

"Miss, please have some tea. This was specially ordered by the Ninth Prince..." Qiuqin said as she picked up a steaming cup of tea and gently handed it to Dongfang Wan'er.

Dongfang Wan'er took the teacup, took a small sip, and savored the warm aroma of the tea spreading in her mouth. She smiled at Qiu Qin and teased, "Qiu Qin, why do you keep calling him 'Ninth Prince'? Are you his maid or mine...?"

Qiuqin blinked, a mischievous smile flashing in her eyes. "Of course, she's Miss's maid... But I think it's good to have the Ninth Prince with you, at least that way someone can protect you, Miss..."

Dongfang Wan'er shook her head helplessly, muttering to herself, "Sigh, it would have been so much easier to go to the snow mountain alone, since I have all sorts of tools for climbing in my spatial storage. But now that there are a few more people with me, it's hard to even take out the tools..."

And so, the group hurried on their way, and before they knew it, half a day had passed. The long journey had left Dongfang Wan'er feeling quite exhausted. She rubbed her sore bottom and couldn't help but complain.

Fortunately, the carriage was spacious enough for her to lie down and rest for a while. Dongfang Wan'er stretched out her body, lay on the soft cushion, closed her eyes, and tried to relieve her fatigue.

Suddenly, a deep voice came from ahead: "Fish..." Dark Night pulled on the reins, stopping the horse.

"Miss Wan'er, the master said that after traveling for half a day, we should get off and rest. There's an inn just ahead..." The guard said to the person inside the carriage as he walked up to it.

“Okay…” Dongfang Wan’er asked Qiuqin to put the veil on her. She thought that since she was going out and her appearance had been restored, she should still cover up her face, after all, her identity was somewhat sensitive.

Qiuqin helped Dongfang Wan'er down from the carriage...

Ye Jiuchen remained silent, simply walking into the inn first...

"Night!!!" Dongfang Wan'er tried to call out to Ye Jiuchen, but Ye Jiuchen ignored her...

"Hey, sir, are you here for a meal or to stay the night?" the waiter greeted him warmly.

“Just a quick bite…” Ye Jiuchen replied coldly.

"Checking in..." Dongfang Wan'er continued.

"Check into a hotel..." Ye Jiuchen emphasized again.

"Let's grab a bite!" Dongfang Wan'er retorted, not to be outdone.

"Hehe, sir..." The young man was a little embarrassed. He looked at the two of them, not knowing who to listen to.